Bigger, bolder, better.

The first thing you'll notice about the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse: it's huge. The Traverse has always been on the larger size of the midsize crossover segment, but in its new generation, it grows even more, surpassing big-brother Tahoe in a number of dimensions. The Traverse also comes to market with a wider trim range than before, with a choice of two powertrains. In other words, it's all the crossover you could ever need... and then some.

Chevy's new Traverse is 204.3 inches long, riding on a 120.9-inch wheelbase. Compare that to a Tahoe, and the Traverse is 0.4 inches longer overall, with a 4.9-inch longer wheelbase. With both rows of seats folded, a Traverse can carry 98.5 cubic feet of cargo space. A Tahoe, on the other hand, carries 94.7. When asked about this size difference, Chevy officials basically told us that the main reason to buy a Tahoe now, is if you need the 8,600-pound towing capacity. This also means there's a serious difference between the Traverse and its platform mate, the GMC Acadia – the Chevy is nearly nine inches longer.

Never mind, the 2018 Traverse offers even more to like, with new Premier, High Country, and RS trim levels – more on that last one in a minute. The standard powertrain is a naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter V6, producing 305 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models are estimated to get 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg highway. All-wheel drive will be available on all trims except for the RS.

The Traverse RS will arrive with unique, blacked-out elements, and a model-specific powertrain. Despite being billed as a sportier model, the RS uses a less-powerful, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, with 255 hp, though it boasts a healthy 295 lb-ft of torque. That said, you can only get the RS with front-wheel drive, and despite the lower displacement, the RS is only expected to net 23 mpg highway.

As far as new technology is concerned, the Traverse will come with a Surround Vision camera, LED headlamps on higher trim levels, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and more. With all-wheel drive, drivers get a Traction Mode Select system, which allows you to completely disconnect the rear axle when AWD isn’t needed. That said, Chevy’s system will alert the driver when AWD is recommended, so you can toggle over to automatic all-wheel drive, and if you leave the system in this setting, it’ll remember it the next time you get in the car.

Inside, there’s seating for up to eight, with USB charging ports in all three rows. Seven- and eight-inch touchscreen infotainment systems support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Chevy’s own MyLink interface. And around back, there’s a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2018 Traverse will go on sale this fall, following its debut at this week's Detroit Auto Show, and we'll have even more details – including pricing – closer to that time.

DETROIT — Chevrolet today introduced the all-new 2018 Traverse. Wrapped in bold and refined styling, the completely redesigned Traverse offers technologies to help keep passengers of all ages and lifestyles comfortable and connected.

Traverse will deliver what is expected to be best-in-class third-row legroom, maximum cargo room and passenger volume with an enhanced roster of available active safety features.

“The all-new Traverse offers the ultimate in style and convenience for the segment, with the versatility customers need and a thoughtful, spacious design they’ll love,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and brand chief, Global Chevrolet. “It’s the midsize SUV designed to help keep you safe, comfortable and connected.”

When it goes on sale this fall, the 2018 Traverse will be the fourth updated crossover or SUV from Chevrolet within a year, joining the Trax, Bolt EV and 2018 Equinox, further strengthening the brand’s crossover and SUV lineup.

“Nobody in the industry offers a broader, fresher lineup of SUVs and crossovers than Chevrolet,” said Batey. “From the all-electric Bolt EV to America’s longest-running nameplate, Suburban, we’ve got something for every customer and lifestyle.”

Bold and refined

The 2018 Traverse has a new look inspired by Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs, with purposeful proportions complemented by premium cues such as chrome accents, LED signature lighting and available D-Optic LED headlamps.

Chevrolet is adding two new trim levels for the 2018 Traverse — the sporty RS and luxurious High Country — to offer customers more choices for a personalized appearance.

The new RS package includes unique, blacked-out exterior cues with a black chrome grille, black bowtie, 20-inch wheels and more.

The High Country trim features premium content and technology, including a unique interior trim featuring Loft Brown leather appointments with suede accents, 20-inch polished wheels, High Country badging, D-Optic headlamps, standard twin-clutch AWD and power-fold third row seats.

With available seating for up to eight and a longer wheelbase than the current model, the Traverse has few peers when it comes to capacity and roominess. In fact, the new Traverse is expected to offer best-in-class passenger volume as well as max cargo room at 98.5 cubic feet (2,789 liters), while greater storage options and larger bins throughout the ergonomically optimized cabin are designed to enhance convenience and versatility.

Loading the Traverse is a breeze with a new Chevrolet bowtie logo lamp feature illuminating the ground to show where drivers need to place a foot to activate the available hands-free power liftgate.

A new split-folding second-row seat improves on the Traverse’s original Smart Slide® feature. The curbside seat is capable of tipping up and sliding forward, even with a forward-facing child seat in place, to provide open and easy access to the third row. Third-row legroom is expected to be the most spacious in the segment at 33.7 inches (856 mm).

Connected and protected

The 2018 Traverse offers purposeful technology designed to help keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected.

Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies include available 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are products of Apple and Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply.)

Passengers will have access to USB charging ports in all three seating rows, available wireless charging and steering wheel-mounted phone and audio controls. Chevrolet’s Rear Seat Reminder feature is standard on all trim levels.

When it comes to helping to protect passengers, a comprehensive suite of available safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features offers ease of use and added peace of mind, with new available features including:

Surround Vision

D-Optic LED headlamps (standard on High Country and Premier)

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

Front Pedestrian Braking

Forward Collision Alert

Low and High-Speed Forward Automatic Braking.

Teen Driver is standard, allowing parents to set certain controls and review performance in order to help encourage better driving habits, even when parents are not in the vehicle.

Performance and efficiency

A new 3.6L V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission form the standard propulsion system, expected to offer nearly 10 percent more horsepower than the current model and a GM-estimated 25 mpg highway (FWD). The combination also supports an estimated 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) trailering capacity when properly equipped.

Sporting the new RS trim, the Traverse will exclusively feature a 2.0L turbocharged engine that provides a unique driving experience, with more maximum torque than the V-6. It is also paired with the nine-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines feature new intelligent stop/start technology that determines the best times for fuel-saving engine-stop events, based on a variety of driving factors.

New Traction Mode Select is standard on all models and allows the driver to make real-time adjustments to the vehicle’s driving mode to account for varying road conditions. On available AWD models, it also allows the system to be completely disconnected from the rear axle, which helps save fuel and enhances refinement.

High Country’s exclusive Advanced AWD system employs twin-clutch technology that optimizes traction for every condition it encounters. It is engineered for optimal performance in wet, snowy and icy conditions, while also providing enhanced stability in dry conditions.